> > Home >> South America > > Argentina
Argentina Population by Race and Ethnicity
Argentina is a multi-ethnic nation, home to people of diverse racial, ethnic, and national backgrounds. Most Argentines are descendants of 19th and 20th-century European immigrants, with roughly 97% of the population having full or partial European ancestry, including those of mestizo descent.
Initial European settlement began in the 16th century with Spanish colonization. The Spaniards brought African slaves, who became the first Afro-Argentine community. Argentina also has indigenous populations and people of mestizo ancestry.
In the 20th century, immigrants from West Asia (mostly Syrian and Lebanese) and the Jewish community contributed significantly to the population. More recent migration flows include Paraguayans, Bolivians, Peruvians, and Venezuelans, forming Argentina’s modern immigrant communities.
also read about Population of Argentina
Race and Ethnic Composition by Percentage
Argentina’s population is ethnically diverse, with a strong historical influence from European immigration, particularly from Spain and Italy. As a result, a large majority of Argentines identify as White or of European and mixed European ancestry, often alongside Indigenous or Mestizo roots.
According to the Latinobarómetro 2023 survey (n=1,200), 54.2% of Argentines identify as White, while 26.2% identify as Mestizo, reflecting a broader recognition of mixed heritage in recent decades. Indigenous peoples account for about 2.2%, while those identifying as Black or of African descent represent around 1–2%, though underreporting remains common due to historical and social factors.
Argentina is also home to smaller but historically significant ethnic communities, including people of Arab descent (mainly Syrian and Lebanese) and the largest Jewish population in Latin America, ranking among the largest Jewish communities globally.
Racial Composition of Argentina
| Race / Ethnicity | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| European or Mestizo | 81% |
| African Ancestry | 4% |
| Arab and Other Asian | 2.9% |
| Amerindian / Indigenous | 2.1% |
Compiled from census records, academic estimates, and demographic studies
📌 Survey Insight (Latinobarómetro 2023):
Recent survey data indicates growing self-identification as Mestizo, particularly among younger Argentines, suggesting a gradual shift away from exclusive European identification toward more mixed-heritage recognition.
European Ancestry in Argentina
European immigrants are the largest ethnic group in Argentina:
Italian descent makes up nearly two-thirds of the population.
Spanish descent (including Basques, Asturians, and Galicians) is widespread.
Other European communities include Germans, Welsh, Scandinavians (Danes, Swedes), Slavs (Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Serbs, Croats), Finns, French, Irish, Portuguese, and Dutch.
Mestizo Population in Argentina
Unlike many Latin American countries, the Mestizo population is relatively small at 11%.
DNA studies indicate that around 56% of Argentines have some degree of mestizo ancestry, reflecting historic mixing of European, Indigenous, and African lineages.
Indigenous People in Argentina
Indigenous peoples account for about 1% of the total population. Major groups are distributed regionally:
North-West: Quechua, Diaguita, Kolla, Aymara
North-East: Guaraní, Mocoví, Toba, Wichí
South / Patagonia: Mapuche, Tehuelche
These communities maintain cultural and linguistic traditions, particularly in rural areas.
Asian Population in Argentina
Asian communities, while small, are growing in Buenos Aires and other major cities. Key groups include:
Syrian and Lebanese descent (Arab Argentines)
Jewish community — largest in Latin America
Japanese, Korean, and Chinese populations
Afro-Argentine Population
Argentinians of African descent constitute a small but historic community:
2010 census: ~0.4% of the population identified as Afro-Argentine
Gene pool studies: ~7.5% of Argentines have some Sub-Saharan African ancestry
Key areas: Buenos Aires districts (San Telmo, La Boca), Merlo, Ciudad Evita
African Immigrant Communities
Cape Verdeans: ~15,000, mainly in port cities like Ensenada and Dock Sud
Other recent African immigrants: Senegal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Angola
Africans historically arrived as slaves and later through immigration waves, contributing to the country’s diversity.
Summary
Argentina is a highly diverse country with a population shaped by European immigration, indigenous heritage, African ancestry, and recent Latin American and Asian migration. While the majority identify as White, there are important cultural and ethnic minorities, including Mestizo, Indigenous, Afro-Argentine, Asian, and Arab communities.
also rea about: Argentina Population by State & City
English
Español
Português
Deutsch